Energy transfer based photoluminescence properties of co-doped (Er3+ + Pr3+): PEO + PVP blended polymer composites for photonic applications

•The energy transfer from Er3+ to Pr3+ ions in PEO + PVP polymer films.•Luminescence of Pr3+ ions has significantly improved with addition of Er3+ ions.•Energy transfer process has extensively studied from PL and life time decay dynamics.•Polymer films could be suggested as potential Red luminescent optical materials.

Er3+, Pr3+ singly doped and co-doped PEO + PVP polymer composites have been synthesized by conventional solution casting method. The structural analysis has been carried out for all these polymer composites from XRD analysis. Raman spectral studies confirm the ion-polymer interactions and polymer complex formation. Thermal properties of pure polymer film has also been clearly elucidated by TG/DTA profiles. Well defined optical absorption bands pertaining to Er3+ and Pr3+ are observed in the absorption spectral profile and these bands are assigned with corresponding electronic transitions. The polymer films containing singly doped Er3+ and Pr3+ ions have displayed green and red emissions at 510 nm (2H11/2 → 4I15/2) and 688 nm (3P0 → 3F3) respectively under UV excitation source. Comparing the emission spectra of singly Er3+ and co-doped Er3+ + Pr3+: PEO + PVP polymer films, a significant red emission pertaining to Pr3+ions is remarkably enhanced in co-doped polymer system. This could be ascribed to possible energy transfer from Er3+ to Pr3+ in co-doped polymer system. The energy transfer mechanism is clearly demonstrated using their emission performances, overlapped spectral profiles and also life time decay dynamics. Thus, it could be suggested that Er3+: PEO + PVP, Pr3+: PEO + PVP and (Er3+ + Pr3+): PEO + PVP blended polymer films are potential materials for several photonic applications.